Analysis of NO structure in a methane–air edge flame

Abstract

We present computations of a methane–air edge flame stabilized against an incoming flow mixing layer, using detailed methane–air chemistry. We analyze the computed edge flame, with a focus on NO-structure. We examine the spatial distribution of NO and its production/consumption rate. We investigate the breakdown of the NO source term among the thermal, prompt, N2O, and NO2 pathways. We examine the contributions of the four pathways at different locations, as the edge flame structure changes with downstream distance, tending to a classical diffusion flame structure. We also examine the dominant reaction flux contributions in each pathway. We compare the results to those in premixed, non-premixed, and opposed-jet triple flames.